Camera with retractable objective

ABSTRACT

A camera having an objective which is retractable from an outer operating position to an inner inoperative position. A manually operable structure coacts with the objective for giving the operator the capability of controlling the movement of the objective both inwardly to its inoperative position and outwardly to its operative position.

D United States Patent [1 1 {111 3,709,129

Lange 1 Jan. 9, 1973 [54] CAMERA WITH RETRACTABLE [56] References CitedOBJECTIVE UNITED STATES PATENTS [75] Inventor: Karl-Heinz Lange, Bunde,Germany 2,358,32l 9/1944 3 585 916 6 1971 [73] Assignee: Balda-Werke,Bunde (Westf.), Ger- 3:163:701 1241964 y 3,504,605 4/1970 Scudder et al..95/39 X [22] Filed: July 8, 1971 Primary Examiner-Robert P. GrienerAtt0rney-Alex Friedman et al.

[21] Appl. No.: 160,674 [57] ABSTRACT A camera having an objective whichis retractable Foreign Apphcauo Pnomy Data from an outer operatingposition to an inner inopera- Aug. 19, 1970 Germany ..P 20 41 187.4 YPOSitiOF" f manufilly Operable Structure 9? with the ObjeCUVB for givingthe operator the capability of controlling the movement of the objectiveboth [52] U.S. Cl. ..95/39, 95/32, 3504725? inwardly to its inoperativeposition and outwardly to [5 Int. Cl. l operative position. [58] Fieldof Search ..95/39, 32, 44 R, 45, 46;

350/255 21 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures mimam em:

SHEET 1 UF 5 m... wW I I @Qml I N \L A/ & 1 l mv 17 h w d n y m W W 7.r|||4 L NW @Q w m m INVENTOR. KARL-HEINZ LANGE a a A ATTORNEYSPATENTEDJAN 9 ms SHEET 2 BF 5 F/GZ ATTORNEYS PAIENTEDJM 9 ms 3109.129

SHEET 3 [IF 5 INVENTO I KARL-HEINZ LA BY flq w, m,iw

ATTORNEYS PATENTEUJAN 9191a.

SHEEI [1F 5 INVENTOR. KARL-HEINZ LANGE ATTORNEY PATENTEDJM" 9 ms SHEET 5UF 5 INVENTOR. KARL-HEINZ LANGE BY 640 M ATTORNEYS CAMERA WITHRETRACTABLE OBJECTIVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION the camera. With mostcameras of this general type, the

carrier for the objective is made retractable so as to reduce the volumeoccupied by the camera when it is not used and so as to increase theconvenience with which the camera may be used.

Cameras of this general type are not new. For example, there are knowncameras of this general type where the tube of the objective is pulledout by hand and can be locked in its outer position after being turned.Moreover, it has been proposed to provide vari ous types of springswhich act on the tube of the objective so as to drive the objective outto its operative position after it is unlocked. In addition, there arespreadable lever systems and rack and pinion systems used for moving theobjective tube between its outer operative and inner retractedpositions. In order to adjust such objectives in accordance with thedistance from the camera to the object, there are known constructionswhere the tube rests at one edge on a distance adjusting ring threadedlycarried by the camera housing.

The above known constructions are not free of draw backs since it isoften necessary, in order to provide a favorable cost for the camera, tomake concessions which are achieved only at the sacrifice of thereliability of the operation, the accuracy of the construction, and thesimplicity of the operation. Thus, for example, it is extremelyinconvenient and time consuming to require the operator to move the tubewhich carries the objective by hand out to its operating position andthen to lock it in its operating position. Also, the use of springswhich act directly on the carrier of the objective requires particularmeasures and guiding structure so that the tilting and clamping of theobjective tube while it is driven outwardly is avoided. Furthermore, theadjustment for the distance can only be effectively achieved withexpensive structure such as, for example, threaded guides or suitablymachined cams.

It has already been proposed to provide a favorable cost for such acamera by utilizing for the retractable objective tube components madeof plastic materials. However, such cameras at the present time cannotbe adjusted for particular distance between the object and the camera. 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTlON lt is accordingly a primary object of thepresent invention to provide a camera of the above general type which iscapable not only of having a retractable objective carrier but also ofadjusting the distance between the object and the camera while avoidingall of the above drawbacks, with the camera of the invention beingreliable in its functioning and fully satisfactory in all respects,while at the same time utilizing relatively inexpensive plasticmaterials which can be die cast, for example, and which can be easilyassembled.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a constructionof the above general type which enables the operator to control both themovement of the objective carrier out to its operative position as wellas the movement thereof inwardly to its retracted position.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangementwhich makes it possible for the operator even when holding the camerabefore his eye to easily manipulate a suitable control for bringingabout movement of the objective out to its operative position, with anequally convenient control being provided for return of the objective toits retracted position.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a structurewhich eliminates any possibility of manipulations in the region of theobjective itself so that soiling of the objective with fingerprints andthe like is avoided with all of the manipulations being carried out at adistance from the objective so that there is an exclusion of anypossible manipulations at the objec tive itself.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a constructionwhich makes it possible for the operator to retard the extent to whichthe objective is driven by a spring out to its operative position, sothat by this manual retarding or braking of the outward movement of theobjective to its operative position it is possible to avoid a sudden,hard impact of the objective when it reaches its outer operativeposition, thus avoiding undesirable vibration of the camera.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a structure ofthe above general type which will prevent any disturbance in theadjustment of components or any excessive stressing of delicate elementssuch as a range finder, a light meter, as well as electrical indicatingstructure.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide astructure of the above general type which enables a structure foradjusting the objective to the distance between the camera and theobject to be carried out with a minimum of manufacturing technicalitieswith great ease in the adjustment and mounting of the distance-settingstructure for the objective.

In accordance with the invention the camera includes a cylindricalretractable tube which carries the objective and which is controlled inits movement between its outer operative and inner retracted positionsby a manually operable means which includes a transmission operativelyconnected with the tube and controlled by the operator both during itsoutward movement as well as its inward movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWlNGS The invention is illustrated by way ofexample in the accompanying drawings which form part of this applicationand in which:

FIG. I is a fragmentary sectional plan view of the front part of acamera provided with the structure of the invention, the structure beingshown in FIG. 1 with the objective in its outer objective objectiveposition and with transmission transmission which is connected to theobjective shown in its elongated condition, the camera structure beingshown in FIG. 1 in a position ready to make an exposure;

FlG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional plan view showing components of FIG. 1at a scale larger than FlG. 1 in a position where a motion transmissionhas been returned and locked in the retracted condition;

FIG. 3 shows the structure of FIG. 2 in the position which the partstake immediately after unlocking of the transmission;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation, at an enlarged scale as compared toFIG. 1, showing further details of the structure;

FIG. is a perspective illustration of the transmission;

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a releasable lock means;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of the outer tube of the objectiveassembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the manually engageable elementof the manually operable means forming the transmissionof FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front elevation of another embodiment of acontrol structure of the invention;

and

FIG. 9a is a sectional elevation of the structure of FIG. 9 taken alongthe line IX-IX OF FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrows and showing inphantom lines a variation of the element which is to be engaged by theoperator.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 4,there is fragmentarily illustrated therein a camera housing I providedwith a pair of chambers 2 and 3 in which the film is located. This filmwill be located in a suitable cassette having portions extending intothe chambers 2 and 3 with part of the casette engaging the edge region 4of the housing I. This edge region 4 is situated at the rear or innerend of a tapered light-guiding tube 5. At its forward, smaller end thistapered light-guiding tube 5 is provided with an inwardly directedcircular flange 6. This flange 6 is adapted to be engaged by anoutwardly directed shoulder 7 which is formed at the inner end of aninner tube 8 of the objective carrier structure. Thus, in the outerposition of the objective which includes the lens II the shoulder 7 willengage the flange 6, and the inner peripheral edge of the latter guidesthe tube 8 by coacting with the exterior surface thereof.

The cylindrical tube 8 not only carries, at its front end, the lens 11,but in addition it is provided with a transverse wall formed with theexposure aperture 10, and between this partition and the lens 11 thereis a chamber 12 adapted to accomodate, in an unillustrated manner,components such as the mechanism of the shutter and diaphragm.

The objective assembly includes in addition to the inner tube 8, anouter concentric tube 9 provided with an inner flange l3 capable ofbeing screwed onto or glued to the outer end of the tube 8 in an,unillustrated manner. In this way the tubes 8 and 9 are fixed to eachother through the flange 13. Proper fitting of elements 13 and 8 to eachother are provided at the connecting portion 61 between thesecomponents.

, At its exterior surface 14 the outer tube 9 of the objective carrierstructure is provided with a pair of opposed cams l5 and 16 which extendparallel to the optical axis toward the interior of the camera formingextensions which are directed rearwardly from the rear edge of the outertube 9. These extensions of the tube 9, extending rearwardly from thecams l5 and 16 are formed of dovetail guides 17 and 18 as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 4 and 7. These guides 17 and I8 are received in mating parallelgrooves 19 and 20 which are formed in the camera housing 1 and whichalso extend parallel to the optical axis, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and4.

In the region of the cams 15 and 16 the outer tube 9 is formed with apair of opposed openings 21 and 22 passing therethrough, and theseopenings respectively receive the angularly extending free end portions23 and 24 of a pair of arms of a swingable motion-transmitting, manuallyoperable means 25. This manually operable motion transmitting means 25is illustrated in FIG. 5. An elongated rod 26 is carried by the camerahousing and supports the motion transmitting means 25 for swingingmovement about the axis of the rod 26. Moreover, a pair of springs 27and 28 coact with the housing 1 and the opposed arms of the swingablemotion-transmitting element 25 in order to urge the latter to swingabout the pin 26 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 1,so that through the extension of the free ends 23 and 24.into theopenings 21 and 22 of the tube 9 the objective will be urged to itsouter operative position by the spring means formed by the elements 27and 28.

The opposed arms of the motion transmitting element 25 areinterconnected by transverse member 29 to which a manually engageableelement 30 of the motion transmitting means is fixed. This element 30may be bolted to the transverse member 29 or formed directly thereon.The manually engageable element 30 is shown in FIG. 8 well as in FIG. 1.Thus, as is apparent from FIG. I the element 30 extends through anopening 33 formed in the front wall 34 of the camera housing so that itis readily accessible to be operated by a finger of the operator at thefront of the camera.

This element 30 which is preferably made of die-cast plastic is formedat its upper end with an operating projection 31 and beneath theprojection 31 with a cutout 32. The cutout 32 is particularly apparentfrom FIG. 2.

The transverse connecting member 29 of the manually operable means 25 isalso provided with a locking edge 35. This edge 35 coacts with a lockmeans which includes a locking pawl 36 supported for rotary movement inthe Camera housing 1 by way of vertically extending pivot pin 41. Thelock means 36 has three lock and stop projections 37, 38, and 39, shownmost clearly in FIG. 6. At its lower portion the lock means 36 has thelocking projection 37. Parallel to the latter at an intermediateelevation of the lock means 36, the latter has an actuating projection38 against which the element 30 strikes in order to swing the lock means36 between a pair of positions referred to below. In a plane which is atright angles to the projections 37 and 38 the lock means 36 has thethird projection 39 which also forms a projection against which the edge35 strikes to change the position of the lock means. Thus, the lockprojection 37 operates in the manner described in greater detail belowwith the lock edge 35 of the swingable element 25, the projection 38coacts with the cutout 32 of the element 30, and the projection 39coacts with the projection 31 of the element 30.

At an intermediate elevation the lock means 36 has a substantiallypointed projection 40 with which a releasable holding structure coactsfor releasably holding the lock means in one or the other of a pair ofpositions, these positions being respectively illustrated in FIGS. 2 and3. The means for releasably holding the lock means in one or the otherof its positions includes a pin 42 having a conical end coacting withand engaging the pointed projection 40, a spring 43 urging the pin 42outwardly, and a tubular part 44 of the housing 1 in which the spring 43and pin 42 are accommodated, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The housing 1 is provided at its front region with a pair of bosses 46and 47 to which a plate 45 is fixed by suitable bolts. In addition, thefront part of the housing 1 is provided with a circular recess 48receiving a holding flange 49 of a cam ring 50, and the plate 45 extendsover the flange 49 to retain the ring 50 at the position thereof shownin F165. 1 and 4. The cam ring 50 is provided at its inner surface 51with a pair of opposed earns 52 and 53 which respectively engage theearns and 16 carried by the outer tube 9 of the objective assembly, sothat turning of the rotary cam ring 50 will result in axial displacementof the objective for focusing purposes. lt will be noted that thesprings 27 and 28 operate not only to move the objective out to itsoperating position but also to maintain the cams 15 and 16 respectivelyin engagement with the cams 52 and 53.

At its exterior surface 54 the cam ring 50 is provided with exteriorteeth 55 which mesh with interior teeth 56 of a focusing ordistance-adjusting ring 57, the latter ring being capable of beingslipped onto the ring 50 in meshing engagement therewith. Thus, once thecom ponents 50 and 57 are assembled together they will rotate as oneunit.

The objective-adjusting ring 57 is made ofplastic and has at its innerend which is of a reduced diameter an integrally formed elastic catchflange 59 or it may be provided with suitable springy projections. Thelatter elastic or springy structure is formed in such a way that theadjusting ring 57 can be pressed with a relatively small force throughthe opening 64 of the front wall 34 before the latter is assembled withthe remainder of the camera, and the springy flange or projections 59snap behind the wall 34 to prevent the ring 57 from falling out of theopening 64. The springy flange or projections 59 will also preventpulling of the ring 57 away from the camera ring 50. It is to be notedthat because of the relatively small axial dimension of the ring 57 itdoes not provide sufficient area for grasping with a force great enoughto pull it out of its assembled condition. As a variation the camera maybe provided with an unillustrated structure according to which a bayonettype of connection can be provided through suitable notches at theopening 64, these notches receiving projections located at predeterminedcircumferencial positions along the ring 57 so that once theseprojections are passed through these notches the ring 57 can be turnedto locate the projections behind the wall 34 after a relatively smallturning ofthe ring 57. It is possible to provide a permanent preventionof removal of the ring 57 from the wall 34 by providing a furtherconnection between the ring 57 and the wall 34 after an initialrelatively small turning of the ring 57 with respect to the wall 34, sothat a projection at the ring 57 can be situated between a pair of fixedstops of the housing 1, these stops being arranged in such a way thatthe extent of angular adjustment of the ring 57 is not sufficient toagain place it in a position where it can be removed through the opening64. At its exterior periphery which has a relatively large diameter itis possible to provide the ring 57 with a knurled circumferential edge62 for convenience in manual turning of the ring 57.

The mounting of the most important elements of the focus-adjustingstructure are as follows:

First the inner cylindrical tube 8 is introduced from the rear of thecamera through the opening 60 at the front end of the light-guiding tube5. Then the outer tube 9 is assembled with tube 8 from the front of thecamera with the proper fitting of components 8 and 9 to each other beingachieved by the portion 61. At this portion 61 components 8 and 9 may bethreaded to each other or glued to each other. Then the cam ring isplaced with its retaining flange 49 in the circular recess 48 of thehousing 1. The holding plate 45 is then bolted to the bosses 46 and 47and the swingable motion-transmitting element 25 and lock means 36 areassembled with the structure. The swingable component 25 presses underthe action of the springs 27 and 28 the tubular assembly 8, 9, in itsguiding structure formed by components 17-20, at the earns 15 and 16respectively against the opposing earns 52 and 43 of the cam ring 50.Since the front plate 34 with the focusing ring 57 mounted in theopening 64 thereof still has not been assembled with the remainder ofthe camera structure, it is possible to turn the cam ringby hand or withthe aid of a special tool which can engage the exterior teeth 55, sothat by way of the cams 15,16 and 52,53 the objective 11, carried by thetubular assembly 8, 9, can be set at the proper position along theoptical axis by way of a suitable testing apparatus which indicates whenthe objective 11 has been properly situated with respect to the filmplane.

Now the front plate 34 with the focusing ring 57 assembled therewith ismounted on the camera in such a way that the ring 57 moves along theexterior of the outer tube 9 and with the ring 57 properly positionedcircumferentially, as by alignment of a suitable index with a distancescale, the inner teeth 56 are placed in mesh with the outer teeth of thecam ring 501 Because the teeth 54,58 are relatively small and locatedrelatively close to each other, even where there are relatively closetolerances it is possible to provide the required adjusted position withthe required accuracy. At the same time, the mounting of the ring 57 onthe cam ring 50 prevents inner springing or retraction of the elasticflange or projections 59, so that the cam ring 50 coacts with theadjusting ring 57 to prevent disassembly of the latter from the plate34. In this way pulling of the ring 57 out through the front plate opening 64 without first disassembling the plate 34 is not possible. Therequired limits to the extent of turning of the focusing ring 57 can,for example, be achieved by providing the ring 57 with an integralprojection situated between a pair of stops of the housing which aresuitably spaced from each other. Where a bayonet type of connection isprovided for the ring 57, the assembly takes place in a similar manner.ln this case also the front plate 34 and the focusing ring 57 are firstassembled together by displacing the ring 57 through the opening 64 andthen turning the ring 57 to a small extent so as to prevent it fromfalling out of the opening 64. The limits to the turning of the ring 57are provided in the same way as the construction described above bysituating a projection of the ring between corresponding stops of thehousing 1. Pulling of the focusing ring 57 off from the wall 34 is onlypossible after the wall 34 has been disassembled from the remainder ofthe camera since only then can the focusing ring 57 have a positionwhich is required for movement through the opening 64.

The operation of the structure for releasably holding and locking theobjective assembly in its outer and inner positions is as follows:

Assuming that the tubular assembly 8, 9 is in its outer operatingposition illustrated in FIG. 1 and that the operator pushes element 30rearwardly in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 1, for the purpose ofreturning the camera to its condition of non-use, then themotion-transmitting means 25 will turn about the pin 26 in a clockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. 1, and the objective carrier structure 8, 9is displaced rearwardly along the optical axis by the engagement of theangular projections 23 and 24 in the openings 21 and 22, and at thistime the extensions 17 and 18 will be guided along the grooves 19 and 20of the housing 1. At the same time the locking edge 35 of the manuallyoperable means moves behind the locking projection 37 of the releasablelock means 36, with the parts .now assuming the position shown in FIG. 2since the yieldable resilient holding means 42-44 easily yields to thesmall extent required to permit the edge to snap behind the projection37 while the lock means 36 remains in the angular position illustratedin FIG. 2. Now the means 25 is locked in its retracted position inopposition to the springs 27, 28 and at the same time the objectivecarrier structure 8, 9 is retained in its inner, retracted position.

Assuming now that it is desired to make an exposure, so that theobjective assembly 8, 9 is to be returned to its outer operatingposition shown in FIG. 1, then the operator will again push on theelement 30, displacing it in the direction of the arrow B shown in FIG.2. As a result the edge 63 which defines part of the cutout 32 strikesagainst the projection 38 to turn the lock means 36 about the pin'41 ina counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, through an anglesufficient to displace the pointed projection 40 to the other side ofthe conical tip of the pin 42, in opposition to the spring 43, so thatnow the lock means 36 will remain in its second position which isillustrated in FIG. 3. During this turning of the lock means 36 aboutthe pin 41, the projection 37 is displaced to an angular position whereit releases the locking edge 35 so that now the operator can move hisfinger in the direction ofthe arrow C, and the springs 27, 28 willdisplace the means 25in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 26 soas to move the objective carrier structure outwardly to its operativeposition until the cams 15 and 16 respectively engage the cams 52 and53. The locking edge 35 can now move freely past the locking projection37 and the projection 38, as is apparent from FIG. 3. In this way theobjective carrier structure is displaced to its outer operatingposition. However, shortly before reaching its outer end position theprojection 31 of element 30 strikes against the projection 39 of thelock means 36 and swings the latter to return it, in opposition to thespring 43, back to the position shown in FIG. 2, so that now the partshave the position shown in FIG. 1, and therefore when the element 30 isagain disclosed in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 1 the structurecan again be locked in its retracted position.

Focusing is brought about in a simple and reliable manner by turning ofthe focusing ring 57 which is prevented from turning with respect to thecam ring 50 by the meshing teeth 55 and 56, and by way of the cams 52and 53 and the cams 15 and 16 respectively coacting therewith theobjective 11 and the structure 8, 9 are adjusted along the optical axisto provide the proper position for achieving a sharp image of the objectat the film plane.

With the embodiment of the invention which is illus-.

trated in FIGS. 9 and 9a the locking of the objective carrying structureis brought about by replacing the transverse member 29 with a transversepin 29a extending between the arms of the manually operable means 25.This pin 29a serves to support for axial movement along the pin 29a amanuallyengageable element 30a. This element 30a is provided with a pairof bearing eyes 66 and 67 through which the pin 290 extends, as shownmost clearly in FIG. 9a. In addition the element 300 is provided with alocking hook 68 which coacts with a fixed or stationary locking hook 69carried by the housing 1. A spring 70 is coiled about the lower portionof the pin 29a and urges the element 30a upwardly to the position shownin FIGS. 9 and 9a. At its front portion which extends through theopening 33 of the front plate 34, the element 30a has the knurledsurface 7l adapted to be enaged by the finger of the operator andpermitting the operator to apply pressure in the direction of the arrowD in opposition to the spring 70 to displace the element 300 downwardlyalong the pin 29a. This manually engageable surface 71 of the operatingpart 76 can for example, also have an inclined surface region 74 or astepped surface region 75, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 9a, in orderto assure a reliable operation of the element 30a. The front plate 34 isprovided at the opening 33 with a pair of 0pposed side edges which guidethe element 300 for vertical movement along the pin 29a.

This embodiment of the invention operates as follows: 1 I

If the camera is to be displaced from its inoperative to its operativeposition, the operator depresses the element 30a in opposition to thespring 70 in a downward direction, indicated by the arrow D, and in thisway the hook 68 is unlocked from the hook 69. When the operator nowreleases the finger pressure on element 38 to a small extent, theswingable means 25 is urged by the springs 27 and 38 outwardly so as todisplace the tubular assembly 8, 9 to its operative position. At thesame time the hook 68 moves beyond the range of the hook 69 so thatduring the initial phase of the displacement of the camera to itsoperative position the operator can release the button 30a entirely, ifhe so desires, and now the springs 27 and 28 will drive the tubularstructure 8, 9 out to its operative position. However, in this case, aswell as in the embodiment of FIG. 1-8, the operator will provide abraking action on the outward movement of the objective by holding hisfinger in engagement with the operating element. After the exposureshave been made and it is desired to return the camera to its position ofnon-use, the operator need only push the element 30a inwardly in thedirection of the arrow B shown in FIG. 9a. In this way at the finalphase of the return movement, the hook 68 will ride with its inclinededge 73 along the inclined edge 72 of the hook 69 and will then snapbehind the latter hook so as to releasably lock the components in theretracted position.

It is to be noted that with this embodiment of the invention, it is alsopossible to provide different variations without going beyond theinvention. For example, the locking hooks 68 and 69 can be arranged insuch a way that the unlocking action takes place by angular turning ofelement 30a about the pin 29a. In this way a mounting of the element 30afor shiftable axial movement along the pin 29a can be eliminated. Thus,the description and drawings are only illustrative of an example of theinvention and do not have a limiting character.

What is claimed is:

1. In a camera, an objective, support means supporting said objectivefor retractable movement from an outer operating position to an innerinoperative position, manually operable means engageable at the exteriorof the camera and operatively connected to said objective for moving thelatter both outwardly to its operative position and inwardly to itsinoperative position, and releasable lock means coacting with saidmanually operable means for locking and unlocking the latter in responseto movement of said manually operable means to displace said objectivebetween said outer operative and inner inoperative position thereof.

2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said manually operable meanshas a pair of portions operatively connected with said objective fortransmitting movement thereto.

3. The combination ofclaim 2 and wherein a support means supports saidmanually operable means for swinging movement and wherein a spring meanscoacts with said manually operable means for urging the latter to aposition which locates the objective in said outer operative positionthereof.

4. The combination of claim 3 and wherein said support means supportssaid releasable lock means for movement only to a pair of predeterminedpositions.

5. The combination of claim 4 and wherein a pawl means is carried bysaid support means and coacts with 'said releasable lock means forreleasably holding the latter in one or the other of its positions.

6. The combination of claim 5 and wherein said releasable lock means hasthree projections respectively situated in different planes andrespectively coacting with three different portions of said manuallyoperable means.

7. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said manually operable meanshas a manually engageable portion fixed thereto.

8. The combination of claim 7 and wherein said manually engageableportion is made of plastic and affixed to the remainder of said manuallyoperable means.

9. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said manually operable meanshas a manually engageable portion thereof independent of the remainderof said manually operable means and includes an intermediate connectingcomponent for establishing or releasing a connection between saidmanually engageable portion of said manually operable means and theremainder thereof.

10. The combination of claim 4 and wherein said manually operable meansis movable with respect to said lock means without displacing the latterfrom one ofthe positions thereof when said manually operable meansdisplaces said objective to said outer operative position thereof untilsaid manually operable means locates the objective at the last region ofits movement to its outer operative position whereupon said manuallyoperable means moves said lock means to its other position for coactingwith said manually operable means for releasably holding the latter inits locking position during subsequent actuation of said manuallyoperable means.

11. The combination of claim 10 and wherein said manually operable meansreturns said lock means to its first position during an initialactuation of said manually operable means, first releasing the latterfor displacing said objective to its outer position during subsequentmovement of said manually operable means.

12. The combination of claim 11 and wherein said manually operable meansat the end of its displacement of the objective to its outer operatingposition returns the lock means to its position where it will again lockthe manually operable means in the position holding the objective at itsinner inoperative position.

13. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said manually operable meanscarries a manually engageable element which is movable with respect tothe remainder of said manually operable means, the latter having aspring which urges said manually engageable element to a predeterminedrest position.

14. The combination of claim 13 and wherein said manually engageableelement is operatively connected with a lock means for releasablylocking the manually operable means in a position retaining theobjective at its inner inoperative position. I

15. The combination of claim 14 and wherein said manual engageableelement has engaging surfaces to be engaged by the operator fordisplacing said manual engageable element first to a position releasingsaid manually operable means and then controlling the movement of saidmanually operable means for manually controlling the movement of theobjective.

16. The combination of claim 1 and wherein the objective include anouter tubular portion and an inner tubular portion surrounded thereby,said outer tubular portion having an inner flange connecting said outertubular portion to said inner tubular portion and said inner tubularportion having an interior space for accommodating camera componentssuch as a diaphragm, shutter, and the like, said outer tubular portioncarrying cams at its exterior while saidsupport means includes guidescoacting with said cams for guiding said outer tubular portion formovement along the axis ofthe objective.

17. In a camera, an objective, support means supporting said objectivefor retractable movement from an outer operating position to an innerinoperative position, manually operable means engageable at the exteriorof the camera and operatively connected to said object for moving thelatter both outwardly to its operative position and inwardly to itsinoperative position, said objective including an outer tubular portionand an inner tubular portion surrounded thereby, said outer tubularportion having an inner flange connecting said outer tubular portion tosaid inner tubular portion and said inner tubular portion having aninterior space for accommodating camera components such as a diaphragmshutter, and the like, said outer tubular portion carrying cams at itsexterior while said support means includes guides coacting with saidcams for guiding said outer tubular portion for movement along the axisof the objective, the camera having a front wall formed with an openingand a cam ring being turnable in said opening and coacting with saidcams on said outer tubular portion for displacing the latter along theoptical axis.

18. The combination of claim 17 and wherein said outer tubular portionhas in the region of camming sur faces of said cams portions which areoperatively connected with said manually operable means.

19. The combination of claim 18 and wherein a spring means which acts onsaid manually operable means to urge the latter and said objective to aposition locating said objective in its outer operative position alsoacts to maintain the camming edges in operative engagement with eachother.

20. The combination of claim 19 and wherein an ob-

1. In a camera, an objective, support means supporting said objectivefor retractable movement from an outer operating position to an innerinoperative position, manually operable means engageable at the exteriorof the camera and operatively connected to said objective for moving thelatter both outwardly to its operative position and inwardly to itsinoperative position, and releasable lock means coacting with saidmanually operable means for locking and unlocking the latter in responseto movement of said manually operable means to displace said objectivebetween said outer operative and inner inoperative position thereof. 2.The combination of claim 1 and wherein said manually operable means hasa pair of portions operatively connected with said objective fortransmitting movement thereto.
 3. The combination of claim 2 and whereina support means supports said manually operable means for swingingmovement and wherein a spring means coacts with said manually operablemeans for urging the latter to a position which locates the objective insaid outer operative position thereof.
 4. The combination of claim 3 andwherein said support means supports said releasable lock means formovement only to a pair of predetermined positions.
 5. The combinationof claim 4 and wherein a pawl means is carried by said support means andcoacts with said releasable lock means for releasably holding the latterin one or the other of its positions.
 6. The combination of claim 5 andwherein said releasable lock means has three projections respectivelysituated in different planes and respectively coacting with threedifferent portions of said manually operable means.
 7. The combinationof claim 6 and wherein said manually operable means has a manuallyengageable portion fixed thereto.
 8. The combination of claim 7 andwherein said manually engageable portion is made of plastic and affixedto the remainder of said manually operable means.
 9. The combination ofclaim 6 and wherein said manually operable means has a manuallyengageable portion thereof independent of the remainder of said manuallyoperable means and includes an intermediate connecting component forestablishing or releasing a connection between said manually engageableportion of said manually operable means and the remainder thereof. 10.The combination of claim 4 and wherein said manually operable means ismovable with respect to said lock means without displacing the latterfrom one of the positions thereof when said manually operable meansdisplaces said objective to said outer operative position thereof untilsaid manually operable means locates the objective at the last region ofits movement to its outer operative position whereupon said manuallyoperable means moves said lock means to its other position for coactingwith said manually operable means for releasably holding the latter inits locking position during subsequent actuation of said manuallyoperable means.
 11. The combination of claim 10 and wherein saidmanually operable means returns said lock means to its first positionduring an initial actuation of said manually operable means, firstreleasing the latter for displacing said objective to its outer positionduring subsequent movement of said manually operable means.
 12. Thecombination of claim 11 and wherein said manually operable means at theend of its displacement of the objective to its outer operating positionreturns the lock means to its position where it will again lock themanually operable means in the position holding the objective at itsinner inoperative position.
 13. The combination of claim 1 and whereinsaid manually operable means carries a manually engageable element whichis movable with respect to the remainder of said manually operablemeans, the latter having a spring which urges said manually engageableelement to a predetermined rest position.
 14. The combination of claim13 and wherein said manually engageable element is operatively connectedwith a lock means for releasably locking the manually operable means ina position retaining the objective at its inner inoperative position.15. The combination of claim 14 and wherein said manual engageableelement has engaging surfaces to be engaged by the operator fordisplacing said manual engageable element first to a position releasingsaid manually operable means and then controlling the movement of saidmanually operable means for manually controlling the movement of theobjective.
 16. The combination of claim 1 and wherein the objectiveinclude an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion surroundedthereby, said outer tubular portion having an inner flange connectingsaid outer tubular portion to said inner tubular portion and said innertubular portion having an interior space for accommodating cameracomponents such as a diaphragm, shutter, and the like, said outertubular portion carrying cams at its exterior while said support meansincludes guides coacting with said cams for guiding said outer tubularportion for movement along the axis of the objective.
 17. In a camera,an objective, support means supporting said objective for retractablemovement from an outer operating position to an inner inoperativeposition, manually operable means engageable at the exterior of thecamera and operatively connected to said object for moving the latterboth outwardly to its operative position and inwardly to its inoperativeposition, said objective including an outer tubular portion and an innertubular portion surrounded thereby, said outer tubular portion having aninner flange connecting said outer tubular portion to said inner tubularportion and said inner tubular portion having an interior space foraccommodating camera components such as a diaphragm shutter, and thelike, said outer tubular portion carrying cams at its exterior whilesaid support means includes guides coacting with said cams for guidingsaid outer tubular portion for movement along the axis of the objective,the camera having a front wall formed with an opening and a cam ringbeing turnable in said opening and coacting with said cams on said outertubular portion for displacing the latter along the optical axis. 18.The combination of claim 17 and wherein said outer tubular portion hasin the region of camming surfaces of said cams portions which areoperatively connected with said manually operable means.
 19. Thecombination of claim 18 and wherein a spring means which acts on saidmanually operable means to urge the latter and said objective to aposition locating said objective in its outer operative position alsoacts to maintain the camming edges in operative engagement with eachother.
 20. The combination of claim 19 and wherein an objectiveadjusting ring is made of plastic and is supported by a front wall ofthe camera for rotary movement, said adjusting ring being operativelyconnected with said cam ring for turning the latter and coacting withthe camera front wall for preventing removal of said adjusting ring. 21.The combinAtion of claim 20 and wherein said adjusting ring has springyholding elements which when pressed through an opening in the front wallof the camera snap behind the latter for preventing removal of saidadjusting ring.